Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
485. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children currently known to the National Council for Special Education as seeking but not yet having secured a special class or special school placement for the 2026/2027 school year, broken down by county and school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36724/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
The department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year.
In addition, the Minister announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways the department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.
504 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 22 inclusive special classes. More new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Enrolments to individual schools are managed by a school’s board of management.
Parents may apply to enrol their child in a school of their choosing. Enrolments to schools are a matter for each board of management and parents apply directly to schools, therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is held at a local level.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
